Patriots links 4/24/26: High marks for Round 1; Prospect fits for Day 2

LOCAL LINKS

• Mark Daniels picks the 10 best players available for the Patriots on Day 2.
• Andrew Callahan looks the best available prospect fits on day 2 for the Patriots.
• Phil Perry tells us who the Pats should target next and identifies the best available prospects on Day 2.
• Mark Daniels gives 3 reasons why New England drafted offensive tackle Caleb Lomu. 1. Lomu is the right tackle of the future.
• Mark Morse writes, “I am not in love with the selection of Lomu but I don’t mind the trade up to fill what the Patriots considered a major need.  There is depth at the EDGE position, but it won’t last past Day 2.  The Patriots may have to trade up again into the mid 2nd round to get an EDGE player they will be happy with.“
• Alex Barth explains it’s not about where Caleb Lomu fits on the Patriots’ offensive line. It’s where the line needs Caleb Lomu.
• Doug Kyed notes the Patriots were surprised Caleb Lomu was still in reach before they traded up.
• Phil Perry‘s draft grade: Pats land a top-seven tackle with 28th pick. Grade: A-. /click for commentary.
• Mark Daniels reports the Pats canceled Caleb Lomu’s pre-draft visit because they thought he’d be gone.
• Andrew Callahan highlights Caleb Lomu’s press conference, Lomu realizes dream of playing for the Patriots, open to position change.
• Patriots Daily podcast: Taylor Kyles and Mike Kadlick react live to the Patriots drafting University of Utah OT Caleb Lomu with the 28th overall pick. (36 min)
• Next Pats podcast: Tom E. Curran, Phil Perry, Albert Breer and Tom Giles react to the Patriots trading up to No. 28 and selecting Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu in Round 1. (58 min.)

NATIONAL NEWS

• Josh Edwards (CBS Sports) Biggest need for every team entering Day 2 of 2026 NFL Draft: What all 32 clubs must fix. Patriots: Defensive line, edge rusher and linebacker.
• Daniel Jeremiah Best prospects still available ahead of Day 2 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
• Daniel Jeremiah (NFL.com) Top 150 prospects in the 2026 draft class. No. 30 Utah OT Caleb Lomu.
• Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) Pick-by-pick analysis for Round 1.
• Zachary Pereles (CBS Sports) Five happiest — and five unhappiest — NFL players, coaches and GMs after first round. Patriots included in commentary.
• Eric Edholm (NFL.com) Biggest winners and losers from Round 1. Winners: Offensive line.
• Gilberto Manzano (SI) Round 1 winners and losers.
• Chad Reuter (NFL.com) Snap grades for every team after Day 1. Patriots: A-. /click for commentary.
• Mike Renner (CBS Sports) 2026 NFL Draft grades, tracker. Patriots: A+.
• Carter Bahns (CBS Sports) Report cards for all 32 teams after Round 1. Patriots: A+.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Eight teams traded out of the first round, Jets had three firsts, and six teams had two.
• Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Stephen Jones: “Zero intention” of trading George Pickens.
• Andy Nesbitt (SI) The Eagles trolled Pittsburgh so hard after stealing its draft pick at the last second. /Included just for laughs.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Roger Goodell on Mike Vrabel situation: “It’s a personal matter”.
• Nick Shook (NFL.com) Ex-Bills coach Sean McDermott taking year off from coaching, aims to improve for next opportunity.